During the screening process for a group counseling program, which element should be provided to participants?

• A. Overview of the purpose of group, roles and expectations of members, and role and expectations of the counselor.
• B. A list of personal issues from each member.
• C. A formal written contract requiring confidentiality.
• D. A schedule of activities for the next four weeks.

Answer: (A)

Setting clear expectations at the outset of group work is essential. During screening, participants should receive an orientation that outlines the purpose of the group, what is expected of members, and what the counselor will contribute. This gives everyone a roadmap for how the group will function, helps them understand their roles, and clarifies the counselor’s responsibilities, which builds safety, trust, and informed participation.

This makes sense because knowing why the group exists, what each person is expected to do, and how the counselor will support the process helps potential members decide if the group is a good fit and prepares them to engage constructively. Sharing personal issues or securing a confidentiality contract and a detailed four-week schedule are not typically what screening aims to accomplish: personal disclosures invade privacy at this stage, formal contracts are usually handled after initial consent and group formation, and a four-week activity schedule is more administrative than introductory.